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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is it me or have these standards hugely declined?

119 replies

Jessicastyle · 09/04/2026 17:22

I am interested in whether anyone else has found first class flight standards have really declined. I’m talking over the past couple of years.

We’ve only had a couple of long hauls since early December and found the quality of food offering to be sub-standard compared to usual, and a real mixed bag in terms of service.

Even the quality of gifts has deteriorated - luxury brands replaced with brands you can find on your average high street.

Real food for thought if such a decline is terminal.

OP posts:
grumpygrape · 09/04/2026 21:00

Pebblesonthebleach · 09/04/2026 20:49

Director level - CEO, CIO, CFO, COO, etc.

Edited
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Thanks.

Above my pay grade then 😉 Perhaps the rise in fuel prices has meant they have to economise ?

LondonPapa · 09/04/2026 20:56

bumptybum · 09/04/2026 20:03

@Jessicastylewhat gifts? I’ve never been given gifts on first class

I presume OP means the amenity kits.

Charlize43 · 09/04/2026 20:54

But are these first class people, decent people?

Kendodd · 09/04/2026 20:54

Yes.
I remember when they used to have a beauty therapist come round the cabin to give you a massage mid flight.

Pebblesonthebleach · 09/04/2026 20:49

grumpygrape · 09/04/2026 20:26

What's a C suite role please ?

Show quote history

Director level - CEO, CIO, CFO, COO, etc.

InterIgnis · 09/04/2026 20:41

British Airways is up,
or rather down, there with American Airlines when it comes to the worst first class service, ime.

Air France, Singapore and Emirates are consistently good. Qatar is too, but there really isn’t much difference between business and first.

canklesmctacotits · 09/04/2026 20:30

I love this kind of poster 😂Never know whether they're more full of themselves or bullshit - and fancy that being said of you!

grumpygrape · 09/04/2026 20:26

Jessicastyle · 09/04/2026 18:09

Quite.

I read a quote the other day - it was along the lines of only the brits are so happy to put down those who have a bit of aspiration in life. Sadly, in a lot of instances it is true.

We are fortunate that DH does a lot of international travel being in a C suite role, so he has plenty of points we can use.

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What's a C suite role please ?

ThatWaryLimePeer · 09/04/2026 20:25

I have never travelled first class, I fly business class four times a year and have noticed any decline in the service.
Maybe try another airline.

PonyPatter44 · 09/04/2026 20:24

Chapeau, OP, best fantasy thread of the year so far 😀

Squirrelchops1 · 09/04/2026 20:23

I think long haul has deteriorated whatever class youre in. 2017 flew economy Klm to KL. Same route 2024 same airline. Literally less than half the staff. One drink offered all flight. Food inedible.
Then flew similar route premium with Virgin and it was really promoted as being great. Food either not defrosted or they run out! How do you run out when you know your numbers beforehand...this happened both ways.

Luckyingame · 09/04/2026 20:22

First class and short haul business class, yes.
Everything declined, YANBU.
Not sure what some people call "super rich".

riceuten · 09/04/2026 20:22

HumbleBragsRUs?

I have never, ever, taken a first class - or even business flight (and I am in my 60s, and could afford to), and I almost certainly will never do so. But have standards slipped ? Almost certainly, that's how capitalism works - getting away with the lowest standards possible.

Ukkake · 09/04/2026 20:18

bumptybum · 09/04/2026 20:03

@Jessicastylewhat gifts? I’ve never been given gifts on first class

I think she might mean the toiletry/wash bags. If so, it’s like my earlier post. It depends on the airline. I’ve had everything from the White Company to higher end from Bvlgari. Generally the bags and contents have all reduced in size over the past few years.

Snowie99 · 09/04/2026 20:12

If that’s all you have to worry about, I congratulate you

bumptybum · 09/04/2026 20:03

@Jessicastylewhat gifts? I’ve never been given gifts on first class

SilverPink · 09/04/2026 19:55

Cost of living crisis innit
Even airlines are cutting back

dizzydizzydizzy · 09/04/2026 19:51

AgentPidge · 09/04/2026 19:15

I wouldn't want bowels of crisps and peanuts, thanks. They'd put me off my dinner.

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Ooops! 🤣

GingerBeverage · 09/04/2026 19:30

It’s an interesting enough observation but not something I can comment on as when i fly I’m mainly focused on fitting my hand luggage in the cage. 😅

Original poster
Jessicastyle · 09/04/2026 19:18

Ukkake · 09/04/2026 19:17

I think it depends on the airline to be honest. We went to Dubai after Christmas with B.A in First. The Concorde Lounge is always special. The 787 on the outbound leg was fantastic, service, food and drinks were faultless. Coming back was the A380 and it felt very compared to the 787.

We did Doha at the beginning of Feb with Qatar Airways and that felt like a level up from B.A.

We have Singapore in May half term and going with Singapore Airlines which will be a first but we’ve heard good things.

I have heard good things about Singapore Airlines - very keen to try them. Have a lovely trip x

OP posts:
Ukkake · 09/04/2026 19:17

I think it depends on the airline to be honest. We went to Dubai after Christmas with B.A in First. The Concorde Lounge is always special. The 787 on the outbound leg was fantastic, service, food and drinks were faultless. Coming back was the A380 and it felt very compared to the 787.

We did Doha at the beginning of Feb with Qatar Airways and that felt like a level up from B.A.

We have Singapore in May half term and going with Singapore Airlines which will be a first but we’ve heard good things.

AgentPidge · 09/04/2026 19:15

dizzydizzydizzy · 09/04/2026 17:40

Well they have definitely declined since the days of BOAC (precursor to BA) which is when I last travelled 1st class. Back then then the upper deck of the Jumbo Jet was a bar and lounge area for 1st class. It was full of sofas and coffee tables witb bowels of crisps and peanuts. Crying babies (looking at you DB!) were taken away to be cuddled in the cockpit.

I wouldn't want bowels of crisps and peanuts, thanks. They'd put me off my dinner.

Randomlygeneratedname · 09/04/2026 19:09

OP i was only saying this yesturday to my friend! The offerings in first class have really taken a nose dive.

Dabralor · 09/04/2026 19:08

I wouldn’t know as I only ever travel by private jet, sorry.

Nichebitch · 09/04/2026 19:06

Why people who can’t relate feel the need to post snarky comments is beyond me